Media experts summed up the lessons of the elections race and worked out recommendations of required legislative changes during the round table on December 21, 2012.

Experts reviewed problematic media experience in the recent elections in Ukraine and international requirements for advertising in elections and the coverage of elections in the media. In particular, the director of Media Law Institute Taras Shevchenko said that the international standard is to limit or ban political advertising on television because of its influence. However, under conditions of oppression of freedom of speech, advertising is sometimes the only way for the opposition to get on television.

As for the coverage of elections in media, the most difficult problem in Ukraine was the lack of practical and effective grievance procedures. According to media lawyer Ali Safarov in order to handle these processes it is necessary to find a way to activate the public.

During the round table recommendations on improving the electoral legislation were elaborated. Of the 24 developed recommendations five were supported by the discussion participants unanimously.

Experts noted the need to establish interagency working group at the Parliamentary Committee on freedom of speech and information that would deal with the implementation of amendments to the legislation.

Expert discussion “Media and Elections: Lessons from the elections campaign and prospects of improvement of laws” was organized by the Media Law Institute in cooperation with the Public Council of the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting and “Telekritika” analytical organization.

Holding this event was made possible owing to the support of the American people given through the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID) and “Internews”.Content of materials is the sole responsibility of the Media Law Institute  and does not necessarily express the views of the U.S. government, USAID and “Internews”.